Malacañang assured the public has nothing to worry amid the new recorded cases of COVID-19 in the country since the government has already prepared for it.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Pres. Rodrigo Duterte will surely approve the requested Php 2 billion supplemental budget of the Department of Health (DOH) to further strengthen the agency’s measures on the health concern.
“If that is the request of the DOH, then the President will certainly respond to that positively (So he will grant?) Definitely, because there is an emergency situation. There is no need for alarm or worry, because we are ready from the start,” he said.
The government also expressed readiness to conduct repatriation anew, following the report that there are more than 500 Filipinos onboard a cruise ship that is currently being held in California due to the COVID-19 threat.
The Palace also shared that the health agency, despite doubling its efforts, still receives criticism regarding the detection of the virus and the alleged cover-up.
“I don’t think so, because even the World Health Organization has credited this country for the containment measures that we are providing. We can’t please all people all the time,” Panelo said.
He also added that Health Sec. Duque III is an honest and very efficient man.
Meanwhile, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar encouraged the public to avoid panic and be alert. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
